to ask for your help to find a spa day for my 12 year old

[bangheadhere40]

Hi Mumsnet, after emailing hundreds of hotels with no luck I was hoping someone may be able to help. My 12 year old really wants to visit a spa, does anyone know of anywhere that will offer this? most are 16+...I see 'tween' spa days advertised online down on the south coast but that is too far for me to travel.

Willing to travel anywhere in the north of England / Midlands area! Thank you.....

or even Scotland would be fine!

I can't help but I sympathise, I had terrible trouble finding somewhere for my 12 year old who wanted a spa day and massage. Most places saunas etc say 16+ and most masseuses won't touch under 16s even though I offered to sit in. Ridiculous.

I took my daughter to lush oxford street and sh

Sorry
When she was 14. They did a treatment - a head and foot massage and on her and I sat in.

Most will only do a manicure/pedi at that age

Where has a 12 yr old even got the idea of going on a spa day?! If she wants to swimming take her to a fun pool. 12 year olds should be running around playing with their friends.

If kids enjoy all the pleasures of adult experiences when they are 12, what is left to look forward to as an adult.

Perhaps nowhere offers this for children because it isnt typically considered a suitable activity for a child.

As an adult I would also be unimpressed if I went to a spa looking to relax having left my own DC at home, and there were little girls running around.

I honestly don’t think you are going to find someone to massage your 12 year old child. All the spas I’ve worked in have an over 16 insurance policy for good reason.

Don't. Just don't. She's a child. Spa days are for exhausted working women. She will be bored out of her skull doing nothing.

Totally inappropriate for a 12 year old imo

She’s 12! Why do you want her to grow up so quickly? There is a reason why pleases won’t accept someone so young! Goodness me.

In my experience spa days consist of treatments, and in between lounging by a pool reading books etc. Is your 12 year old going to be bored?

I think the 16 year old age standard is pretty sensible.

Please don't. It's an adult activity not a child's. And as for massages, 12 year olds don't need massages

I would be annoyed if I turned up at a spa, to have a day away from the dc, only to find dc there.

Try hotels with spa facilities, group on often have deals to get an idea. Went to a place just near Hinckley and there were a couple of teens there with their mums. The therapists will probably restrict to a facial, manicure and pedicure but then there's the pool, sauna etc as well

Erm, now, I’m not keen on the make up thing for young girls. But there’s totally no problem with a spa day. A swim, a jacuzzi and maybe a manicure. Sitting by the side of the pool reading. My ten year old wouldn’t be bored. Just google teen spa day north west, OP, there are a few.

I’m one of the least inclined to do the whole beauty salon and make up thing, my dd’s friends are allowed to do much more than she is and she was the only one not allowed make up when the girls in her class went to a beauty salon for someone’s birthday (eye roll). But I don’t have an issue with this. It’s just swimming and relaxing.

And maybe your 12 year olds would disturb others, mine wouldn’t!

Like PP have said, I'm not a huge fan of make up or nail varnish on kids but my DD(10) loves all this stuff. Don't know where she gets it from because I don't wear make up or nail varnish.
However, she loves massages, especially back, head and feet. I've never taken her for a professional one (only performed our own at home) but she'd definitely go for it.
If you know your DD will like it, go for it.
I don't get the logic that massages are just for adults. All humans like to relax and a lot of humans are very tactile and enjoy touch. Baby massage, anyone?

You can probably get a beauty therapist or massage therapist to come to your home, or go to someone who works for themself rather than a salon or spa. They will be insured to carry out treatments as long as you consent and are present. If she wants to lounge by the pool etc you could do it as an overnight hotel guest but you wouldn't get treatments for her.

If you google 'teen spa Uk' there's a few articles that may give you some leads.

This one mentions one in Chester

www.spaseekers.com/spa-blog/beauty/teen-spa-queens

Other ideas

goodspaguide.co.uk/features/the-best-spas-for-teenagers

@bangheadhere40
I'm from the North, I have a teenager under 15 and struggled to find a spa day together. I'm not talking massages, more like swimming, jacuzzi, lazing on the chairs reading mags, chatting, laughing, maybe nails painted? A girlie day, Her interest's are changing, its time away from the screens, a lovely time we can spend just the two of us and have a nice lunch/meal.
It IS age appropriate, it is a lovely thing to do AND she absolutely LOVES it.
Try Mottram Hall - Cheshire or Crewe Hall - Crewe.
What we've done is "googled" hotels with jacuzzi & pool. We've booked 3 reasonably cheap nights throughout the year, sometimes only £55 p/night ( in advance/saver rate and often 4* ) That would be significantly cheaper than a "spa day for two".
Swim, sauna ( amazing for teen spots ) jacuzzi. early evening meal, paint each others nails in our room and read/watch a movie together.
You're welcome to pm, if you'd like me to recommend some stays.

Proseccoinamug

I've been on several spa days as part of hen dos or just with friends. I would feel extremely uncomfortable even with a quiet 12 year old around - the conversations among adult women in an adult setting are not suitable to be overheard by a child that age.

There are fun pools which have jacuzzis and lounger areas. Thats a more suitable choice for a child.

HI all, thanks, yes maybe not a massage, but she enjoys the pools and maybe getting her nails done. BlueStocking007 thanks - I will look up your recommendations, any more most welcome!

noidontwatchloveisland and my heart would sink if I went on a spa day and there was a hen party there like you describe. It would spoil my enjoyment of the day. I’d feel uncomfortable.

We can’t really dictate who the other guests are in a spa that’s open to the public.